We’re now about a week into winter and soon the weatherman (hopefully) will be predicting some snow days. Along with a healthy stockpile of wine, cheese, and chocolate, a good music library is essential to a successful winter’s day. Below I’ve listed 5 of my favorite albums to listen to when Old Man Winter visits.

Blue byJoni Mitchell

If the melancholy lyrics of “River” do not force you to slip into a wintery daze, Mitchell’s haunting voice in “A Case of You” will. I am of the opinion that Blue is not only one of the greatest and most important albums ever written, but the quintessential album for a maturing woman.

Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of songs such “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” helps one understand why Dylan is a Nobel Laureate. I must admit that it was difficult to decide which Dylan album to include on this list. If you have time, I also recommend The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.

Careless Love by Madeleine Peyroux

I remember the first time I ever heard this album. My father came home, put it on, and I immediately fell in love. Careless Love is smooth, haunting, delicate at times, and hip. Listen to it and close your eyes. You may actually think you’re in Manhattan or Paris.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground

OK, if you have never listened to The Velvet Underground before, get through the first few songs before you decide it’s too strange. Do yourself a favor and really listen to and analyze the words Reed is singing. One of my favorite things about this album is that it came out in 1967. That’s only one year after The Beatles were crying for Eleanor Rigby on Revolver. It’s amazing to realize that the raw sound of “Venus in Furs” came out the same year as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” I can go on for hours about the brilliance of this album.

Moondance by Van Morrison

…speaking of Van Morrison! Moondance is an absolutely beautiful album and definitely one to wind down to on cold days. The rich sounds of “And It Stoned Me” pairs well with a good glass of wine. I genuinely think Morrison has one of the greatest male voices in rock.

Pro tip: listen to these albums on vinyl. I do not know why, but everything just sounds better on vinyl. I recommend visiting Jack’s Music Shoppe in Red Bank, NJ, or Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ, for all your vinyl needs! In regards to turntables, I listen on a VPI. That’s pretty awesome, too, because VPI is right in Cliffwood, NJ!

As always, please email me at antoinette@yoururbansuburban.com with any questions, comments, or concerns. Please email me, also, with any recommendations!